Aug 24, 2023

Manufacturing is down in the dumps, but things may be looking up

STR/AFP via Getty Images

Manufacturing businesses are adapting to a changing economy and heartened by government investment. Plus, a salesman is starry-eyed about a bug-eyed car.

Segments From this episode

Some U.S. manufacturers find reasons to be cheerful about their prospects

by Justin Ho

Aug 24, 2023

Manufacturing has been weak for a while. But companies are optimistic about government investment and a future uptick in demand.

The Biden administration is investing in domestic industries it sees as strategically important, like clean energy. Above, wind turbine blades in a storage lot.

Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

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When one company dominates a market, there can be downsides

by Meghan McCarty Carino

Aug 24, 2023

Chipmaker Nvidia is the breakout sensation of the AI boom. But supply chain snarls have taught us the risks of having few sources.

Nvidia designs about 80% of the specialized chips needed to train complex artificial intelligence models. It makes a single-source product that's fabricated by only one company.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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School districts face tough choices as the end of federal pandemic funding nears

by Stephanie Hughes

Aug 24, 2023

Districts have been using the funds to renovate HVAC systems, hire staff and more. Now, some may need to cut program and jobs.

School leaders are anticipating job cuts as federal pandemic funding ends, a recent survey from the School Superintendents Association finds.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Nielsen's agreement to use Amazon viewer data in football ratings is a first

by Elizabeth Trovall

Aug 24, 2023

Streaming services changed the way people watched TV. Now they're changing the way ratings agencies like Nielsen count viewers.

As streaming becomes an increasingly popular way to watch shows like "Thursday Night Football," it's changing the way ratings data is collected and shared with advertisers.

Cooper Neill/Getty Images

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Tradle brings Wordle-style game to global exports

by Kai Ryssdal and Sarah Leeson

Aug 24, 2023

Can you figure out what country exports, say, both crude oil and leather footwear? Gilberto García-Vazquez of Datawheel explains the game.

A screenshot of Thursday's Tradle. Which country is it?

Tradle/Observatory of Economic Complexity

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My Economy

Classic car entrepreneur brings British sports cars into the 21st century

by Richard Cunningham

Aug 24, 2023

An unpopular British sports car from the mid-20th century finds new life with American classic car enthusiasts.

Leafar via Wikimedia Commons

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Music from the episode

Comedy Gen Hoshino

Work Rihanna, Drake

In Seoul (Feat. Sunwoojunga) Epik High, Sunwoojungs

Feel It Still Portugual. The Man

Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey) BTS, Halsey

Close The Deal! Louie Zong

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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